Smooth Soaring: 7 Ways to Ease Your Air Travel Anxiety ✈️
How I travel for 6 weeks as a yoga teacher & writer who doesn't like to fly...
I have a small confession to make; although I love visiting new places and in essence, I absolutely love to travel, I get super anxious and nervous a few days before heading out, especially if I have to get on a plane.
I used to think that what stressed me out was flying in itself, and although my relationship with the idea of being several thousands of meters above the ground has evolved throughout the years, I’ve realized that what truly stresses me out is airports.
I read somewhere the other day that the entire structure of how to get through an airport and into a plane is basically meant to demoralize us and keep us a bit down, under control.
I am not sure if it is true, but it certainly feels true to me.
I basically traveled professionally for a few years as a figure skater, yet in recent years, especially after the lockdown, I have found myself getting almost irrationally anxious about going to the airport, doing something wrong, and either getting kicked out and missing my flight or even getting arrested.
I am happy to report that I am writing this post from Barcelona, so none of those things happened during my travel day... It was actually very smooth! Woot woot!🙂
Partly because, to manage the anxiety a bit better, I now have a few systems in place to support me so that, by the time I get to the security line, I am breathing calmly.
Here are my top tips for easing flight anxiety:
1# Make a List
Whether you like to use your phone’s notes app, another organization app, or a good ol’ notebook, start to write down what you think you need a few days before your flight.
I go a bit overboard and do this two weeks before, but you do you. This helps me to feel more organized and in control of my trip, easing the anxiety right away, because, by the time I put it all in the bag, I know I have everything I need.
2# Pack Light
Even though I am spending 6 weeks in Europe and I have numerous yoga workshops and filming to do in Spain and The Netherlands, I always only travel with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I never check luggage!
Check the airline’s luggage restrictions for your specific ticket fare, they vary!
If you start packing early enough, you may realize that a lot of the things you thought you need, you actually don’t, and the advantages of not having checked luggage are so many, it almost deserves a post of its own.
Remember that if you do forget something that you really really need, perhaps you can purchase it at the destination.
3# Keep it Together
I use technology to my advantage by downloading my boarding pass and keeping it accessible on my phone as well as any other relevant info, like copies of all my important documents as well as accommodation information I want to have handy.
This reduces the stress of potentially misplacing paper documents and saves time in long lines.
4# Arrive Early
Speaking of lines, I cannot stress this one enough…
I not only try to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before my boarding time (not flight time) to avoid feeling rushed and panicked but if I have any layovers, I also make sure they are at least 3 hours long, so if there were any delays, I may still have a chance to make my connection.
Also, listen to the agents at the security line and ask questions if you have them! Just be kind.
Yes, I often end up sitting around a lot at terminals, but this gives me enough time to check in, go through security, and even have a snack while I watch planes take off and land or write a little.
5# Dress in Layers
No matter where you’re going and what the purpose of your trip is I highly recommend dressing comfortably and wearing shoes that easily slip on and off at security checkpoints but that you could also move quickly in if you needed to get to your gate in a rush.
The temperature in airports and airplanes can be unpredictable, so consider wearing a few layers that you can remove or add on as needed; being comfy can make a big difference in reducing stress levels!
6# Prepare your body and mind
Especially if you’re going to be in a plane for several hours or flying through timezones, take some time the days prior to do some yoga or stretch, go for strolls, and move your body.
If like myself you get anxious, I highly recommend practicing guided meditations designed especially to help release flight anxiety.
Try mine here; I used it on my way to the airport last Wednesday and it worked like a charm.
7# Breathe
Ultimately, I do all that I can to prepare; I show up as ready and as calm as I can and remember that even through stressful situations, I have my breath.
Resource yourself in advance so that by the time travel day comes around, no matter what travel day brings, you can alleviate some of the airport anxiety and focus on enjoying your travels to the fullest.
What are some of your favourite ways to stay relaxed during air travel? Share in the comments.
Happy flying, my friends! ✈️